The Baagbimo of Ijebu and Secretary of the Awujale Council of Chiefs, Chief Fassy Yusuf, has clarified that the process of choosing a new Awujale of Ijebuland rests primarily with the kingmakers and the Funsegbuwa ruling house, not exclusively with the Ifa oracle.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme aired on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, and monitored in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Yusuf revealed that a new monarch is expected to emerge before the end of the year, provided no court action stalls the process.
He noted that while divination played a stronger role in traditional society, the practice has since evolved.
“The last succession process was between 1959 and 1960. I cannot say if Ifa was consulted then. Today, there are no rigid criteria established for selecting the Awujale. It could be left to the ruling family or the kingmakers to decide if divination will form part of the process,” Yusuf explained.
According to him, Ijebuland is now a plural society with three dominant faiths, traditional religion (Isese), Christianity, and Islam and consultations could vary depending on the family’s preference.
“The place of divinity has not been erased, but certain practices may no longer be as central as they once were. Why insist on Ifa alone, when we also have Christians and Muslims in the community? Ultimately, it is for the family and the kingmakers to decide,” he said.
Yusuf further recalled that historical records do not show Ifa as decisive in the choice of past monarchs.
He cited the case of the immediate past Awujale, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960 despite internal family disputes.
“The crown was first offered to his father, but because he lacked formal education and was seen as less relevant to the community at the time, he stepped aside for his son. Whether Ifa was consulted in that instance, I cannot confirm,” Yusuf stated.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of controversies that trailed the burial of Oba Adetona, when traditionalists were prevented from performing certain rites at his private residence.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.